He said: "I was disgusted to read about these comments in the media and the Labour leader in North Lanarkshire must take swift action to suspend Councillor Gaffney from his group while the matter is investigated.

"Councillor Gaffney should take time to consider himself if his comments are compatible with representing the people of Thorniewood as a councillor and the people of Coatbridge, Chryston and Bellshill as their Westminster MP.

"It just isn't good enough to suggest that attending a training course makes these comments somehow more palatable. Comments such as these have no place in modern Scotland and I find it difficult to see how Councillor Gaffney can conceivably continue as an elected member representing such diverse communities."